Elder Boyd K. Packer

During this past General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Boyd K Packer gave a great talk. He once again reaffirmed The LDS Churches stance on Marriage and Family. He stated, "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

He then adds, "We teach a standard of moral conduct that will protect us from Satan’s many substitutes or counterfeits for marriage. We must understand that any persuasion to enter into any relationship that is not in harmony with the principles of the gospel must be wrong. From the Book of Mormon we learn that “wickedness never was happiness.”

Elder Packer also warned against Pornography saying, "In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great plan of redemption,” “the great plan of happiness.”

Now some have chosen to take offense at Elder Packers remarks. Some have protested asking him to recant his statements. Some organizations have marched and some are coming to Utah to deliver letters. One leader of a organization says that Packers talk was hurtful and that gays are second class citizens. This leader even accuses the LDS Church leadership of telling their members to ostracise their gay children. First, The LDS Church has never taught their members to ostracise their gay children. Some members may ostracise their gay children and if they do they are wrong. Second, nowhere in Elder Packers talk does he say that gays are second class citizens.

The late Gordon B. Hinckley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had this to offer, ‎"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are."

I have many Friends and Loved ones who are gay. I love them and respect them and they are always welcome at my home. I do not condone their behavior just like they might not condone some of the things I do. Just because someone is gay doesn't make them a horrible person. Many of my gay Friends and Loved ones are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They know my position. I stand with The First Presidency and The Quorum of The Twelve Apostles on moral issues.